Boost from land bank helps bring once-decrepit Millcreek home back on the market
A house that was derelict for years in an otherwise thriving Millcreek neighborhood has been renovated and listed for sale with help from the Erie County Land Bank.
The house, at Cherry Street Extension and West Gore Road, needed a new roof, plumbing, windows, furnace, water heater and wiring — plus a laundry list of repairs when it was purchased by the Land Bank at a judicial sale.
It got all that and more and is on the market for $250,000.
"When a property like this can be renovated, it not only makes sense but makes community sense," said Christie Mahany, executive director of the Erie County Land Bank.
"A lot of neighbors have been through the house and are probably the most excited about its transformation and about getting a new family in what used to be an eyesore," said Re/Max Real Estate Group's Andrew Blackburn, listing agent for the property.
The revived house
The two-story, 1,456-square-foot home at 5002 Cherry Street Extension is distinctive, with a mostly stone exterior and new stone-look facing and columns at the front porch.
A newly enclosed side porch can be used as a three-season room or mudroom. There's also a new concrete driveway and a wooden fence providing privacy.
Open cellar steps off the side entry are one of the few signs of the home's age; it was built in 1934.
The interior of the house is bright and clean, with fresh paint, laminate floors, recessed lighting and a white and stainless steel kitchen. Solid-surface countertops extend into an island separating the preparation and dining areas.
In the living room, a dark floor-to-ceiling surround encloses an electric fireplace insert providing heat and colored lights. French doors lead to a smaller room that could be used as an office, library or TV room.
Upstairs, there's new carpeting throughout. Each of the three good-sized bedrooms has a lighted closet, and the home's single bathroom is new, with sliding glass shower doors.
A large attic and full basement provide storage.
The road to revival
The Erie County Land Bank bought the house for a minimum bid of $1,000 plus $88 in filing fees in February 2021 after consultation with Millcreek Township officials.
The lank bank was created in 2018 to acquire blighted properties throughout Erie County and return them to productive use. A separate land bank addresses blight within the city.
The Cherry Street Extension home had been vacant and boarded for some years.
"Millcreek requested that we take it, not because they didn't think it would sell but to see that it was taken care of," Mahany said.
An intake evaluation of the property spelled out what needed to be done to restore it plus the estimated cost to check each item off the three-page list. The total renovation estimate topped $76,000.
"The evaluation looks at what needs to be done and provides approximate numbers of what it would cost to bring a property up to code," Mahany said. "Then we put all of that out to the public and make the property available for walk-throughs."
Properties sold through tax sales aren't open to potential buyers beforehand, Mahany said.
"You don't really know what you're getting into. We provide all of our information on the property and open it up for people to see or bring a contractor through."
Potential buyers apply to the Land Bank to purchase a property, with an offer of what they're willing to pay. The property doesn't necessarily go for the best offer. The candidate's resources and capability to restore the property, along with the property's planned use, are also considered.
Buyers with code violations or unpaid taxes on other properties are not considered.
"The buyer can't be contributing to the problems we're trying to fix," Mahany said.
The house on Cherry Street Extension was sold for $45,000 in August 2022 to a contractor with a track record of restoring homes. It was renovated and listed for sale this past August.
Luxury living in Erie: 9 homes for sale for more than $1 million
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Renovated Millcreek home for sale was once a neighborhood 'eyesore'
